Once again cars and owners gathered in Lincoln for the annual run to Cleethorpes. The Sevens To The Sea run. Every year we scan the long-range forecast, our hopes going up and down with the changes predicted for the day. On the day we had dry conditions for the start, lunch stop and finish! No sunshine like 2007 but no sleet as in 2006, so on balance OK.
With 57 cars entered it was our biggest entry so far, it was the most diverse as well. 25 Austin Sevens headed the list closely followed by the Morgan and MG contingent.
Boaters Beach restaurant in the evening.
As last year, we were flagged off by Terry Stubbings, the Lincoln City Town Crier. He is really worth a listen to. Those on the web can see him in action on YouTube. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=2emITldegFY
The words are by Paddy Malone and the video clip by Ande. All three have done an excellent job. What would we do without the Wonderful Worldwide Web?
We set off last after clearing up the start area. Not forgetting banners, bells, flags and portable sound system! Plenty of room in the Ruby.
We followed the Selka family; Dad and two boys, later joined by a friend picked up on the way. Nice to see an Austin with an ‘L’ plate on with a young driver learning the ropes. Unfortunately they lost drive when we hit the steep hill entering the Wolds. As happens so often it was in the middle of the heaviest downpour of the day. Having made sure they had things in hand, tow home I think, we set off directly to the Lunch Stop. I am told we missed a lovely massed array of daffodils in Rothwell.
Our lunch stop has moved from Market Rasen to Tealby, a lovely little village in the Wolds. Catering was taken care of by booked lunches in the Kings Head pub, a Tea Room, picnics in the Village Hall and light refreshments in the church. The church also had an exhibition of Quilting on the day. I am told it was also nice and warm, just what was needed after the morning run.
We managed to distribute all our cars around Tealby for lunch but we will restrict the entry to 60 cars next year. By all accounts when the sun comes out Tealby fills up with day trippers. Everyone involved with providing facilities were enthusiastic and helpful. It really makes life easy when that happens, they are eager for us to return next year and are planning to co-ordinate a church event again.
After the scenic afternoon run we arrived on the front at Cleethorpes to be met by the Deputy Mayor Councillor Colin Eastwell and Deputy Mayoress Hilda Burns. Each entrant was presented with a certificate. Two representatives of the local press were also on hand. I have seen the spread in the Cleethorpes Chronicle. With some good photographs of the cars and an accurate write up they have done us proud.
Having swapped stories of the run and checked all were accounted for it was off home, or as with several of us it was on to our accommodation in the town for the night. At 7.00pm 48 of us gathered in the Boaters Beach Restaurant for dinner.
The restaurant, owned by Mick and Alison Taylor, was open for our exclusive use. Being situated next to the pier and right on the edge of the beach, it is a fantastic venue. The meal was excellent and what a contrast to the Winter Gardens, now thankfully demolished. Mick had provided a guitarist to entertain us while eating, a pleasant touch. We were also treated to a photographic presentation on the wide screen. This had been prepared by Allison from photographs supplied by us. The theme was Past Group Events. It was very interesting looking back over the past 39 years. That means 2009 will be the RUBY anniversary of the founding of the Lincolnshire Group. Luckily we have one or two Rubies in the group! Something will be planned I am sure.
Next day we went shopping in Cleethorpes, had a coffee break then set off for the Jug and Bottle carvery in Holton le Clay. This has become the traditional end of the run for the overnighters in the group. After that it was a quick run back to Lincoln by the direct route.
Finally I must thank all who contributed to the success of the event Paddy and Ande Malone deserve a special mention for planning and checking the route and Dave Lucas for organising the Cleethorpes finish. All of the Lincolnshire Group committee and everyone else who helped make the weekend what it was.
The big cars lead the way.
